Dreamy Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe – Sweet Caramel Magic

Banana upside down cake revamps ordinary fruit into a stunning dessert masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds with caramelized sweetness.

This classic treat elevates humble ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Soft, moist cake layers intertwine with rich, golden-brown caramel that captures the essence of comfort baking.

Warm spices and ripe bananas create a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your palate with delightful complexity.

The inverted presentation adds dramatic flair, revealing a glistening surface that promises indulgence with every slice.

Elegant yet approachable, this dessert bridges home-style cooking with refined technique, making it perfect for casual gatherings or special celebrations.

Stunning visual appeal meets irresistible taste in a recipe that will become your new favorite sweet sensation.

Why Banana Upside Down Cake Feels Like a Warm Hug

• Caramelize the Bananas: Transform ordinary bananas into a luscious, golden-brown topping that adds incredible depth and sweetness to every slice of this cake.
• Dual-Flour Delight: Combine all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a uniquely textured cake that's both tender and slightly nutty, giving a more complex flavor profile than traditional recipes.
• Foolproof Baking Method: The two-stage baking temperature technique ensures a perfectly moist interior and beautifully golden exterior, making this cake almost impossible to mess up for bakers of any skill level.
• No-Fuss Caramel Glaze: Create a restaurant-worthy caramel sauce in minutes that elevates the cake from simple dessert to a show-stopping treat, with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.

Key Ingredients for Banana Upside Down Cake Success

• Brown Sugar: Provides rich, deep sweetness and helps create a caramel-like layer for the cake.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth, golden base that prevents sticking and adds rich flavor.
• Bananas: Fresh, ripe bananas add natural sweetness and beautiful presentation when sliced.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter ensures a tender, moist cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light cake structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor enhancing the banana taste.
• Greek Yogurt, Sour Cream: Provides moisture and subtle tanginess to the cake.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and creates structure for the cake.
• Overripe Bananas: Intensely sweet and adds deep banana flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Flour: Provides structure and nutty undertone to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, complementary spice to banana flavor.

• Brown Sugar: Creates rich, deep caramel flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Provides smooth, luxurious texture to the glaze.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create glossy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet caramel flavor.

How to Bake a Moist and Caramelized Banana Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab your baking pan (8×8 inch square or 9-inch round) and give it a generous butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Gooey Banana Base

• Brown sugar
• Butter pieces

Pop the pan in the oven for 5-7 minutes until butter transforms into a silky liquid. Swirl everything together until smooth. Arrange banana slices in a beautiful pattern across the melted goodness.

Step 3: Mix the Magical Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Whole wheat flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Step 4: Whip Up the Cake Batter

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

• Vanilla extract
• Greek yogurt
• Mashed bananas

Step 5: Marry the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir just until combined- no overmixing allowed!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour batter over banana layer. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then lower to 325°F and continue baking 25-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cooling and Flipping

Let the cake rest until barely warm. Run a knife around edges. Place a serving plate on top and flip the pan in one swift motion.

Step 8: Drizzle with Caramel Magic

• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes. Let sit briefly, then cascade over the cake.

Enjoy your decadent Banana Caramel Upside Down Delight!

Tips for Flipping and Finishing Banana Upside Down Cake

• Choose Ripe Bananas: Select bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor in the cake.
• Prevent Banana Browning: Toss sliced bananas with a little lemon juice to maintain their fresh appearance and prevent quick oxidation.
• Control Batter Mixing: Fold dry ingredients gently into wet ingredients to keep the cake tender and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a toothpick at a 45-degree angle into the cake's center to ensure accurate moisture testing and even baking.
• Create Smooth Caramel: Stir caramel glaze continuously and watch carefully to prevent burning, creating a silky, rich topping that complements the banana's natural sweetness.

How to Store Banana Upside Down Cake Without Losing Moisture

• Refrigerate: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Slice the cake, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore the cake's soft texture and brings out the caramel and banana flavors.

What Goes Well with Banana Upside Down Cake

• Brew Creamy Caramel Coffee Companion: Pair this banana upside down cake with a rich, smooth caramel latte that echoes the cake's sweet caramel glaze, creating a harmonious flavor explosion that dances between the warm cake and creamy coffee.
• Scoop Vanilla Elegance: Add a generous dollop of classic vanilla ice cream alongside the cake, letting the cold, smooth scoop contrast beautifully with the warm, spiced banana cake and provide a delightful temperature contrast.
• Blend Cinnamon Chai Delight: Serve with a spiced chai tea that complements the cake's ground cinnamon notes, offering a warming, aromatic beverage that enhances the banana cake's comforting flavors and adds depth to each bite.
• Drizzle Nutty Liqueur Accent: For an adult twist, splash a small amount of hazelnut or almond liqueur over the cake, bringing out the deeper caramel and banana notes while adding a sophisticated grown-up touch to this homey dessert.

Variations That Give Banana Upside Down Cake a Twist

• Tropical Banana Coconut Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical flavor profile.
• Nutty Banana Crunch Cake: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter and sprinkle additional nuts over the caramel glaze for extra texture and crunch.
• Chocolate Banana Decadence: Fold dark chocolate chips into the batter and drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel glaze for a rich, indulgent version of the classic cake.
• Spiced Rum Banana Cake: Add a splash of dark rum to the batter and caramel glaze for a more complex, adult-friendly flavor that enhances the banana's natural sweetness.

Banana Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

French-inspired banana upside down cake brings warmth from classic caramelized techniques. Sweet Caribbean bananas meld perfectly with golden butter caramel, creating a rustic dessert that delights palates and comforts souls.

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Ingredients

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Banana Upside Down Cake

Main Ingredients:

• 3 bananas, sliced into ¼–⅓ inch rounds
• 2 overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour

Cake and Topping Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup (160 ml) packed brown sugar
• ⅓ cup (75 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 4.5 tablespoons (65 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Dash of salt

Caramel Glaze Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly prep the baking vessel by generously coating an 8 x 8 or 9-inch pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Craft the foundational caramel layer by melting butter and brown sugar in the preheated oven until they transform into a smooth, golden liquid.
3. Artfully arrange banana slices across the caramel base, creating a visually appealing pattern that will become the cake’s crowning glory when inverted.
4. Whisk together all dry ingredients – including both all-purpose and whole wheat flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon – in a medium mixing bowl.
5. In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, resembling a fluffy cloud.
6. Incorporate eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition, then fold in vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, and mashed bananas until fully integrated.
7. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain the batter’s delicate texture and prevent toughness.
8. Carefully pour the batter over the banana-lined caramel base, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth surface.
9. Bake in a preheated oven, initially at 350°F for 30 minutes, then reduce temperature to 325°F and continue baking until a toothpick emerges clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan, then delicately invert onto a serving plate, revealing the glistening banana topping.
11. Prepare a luxurious caramel glaze by simmering brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
12. Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the inverted cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides and pool around the base.

Notes

• Elevate this classic dessert by selecting ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and intense flavor.
• Experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the caramel layer for added crunch and depth.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to complement the rich, caramelized banana topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg